While it was a disappointing season for the Lions, with only four wins and a spate of injuries, players on the Club's young list impressed in their development and a number of the older hands showed great leadership, consistency and commitment to the team.
 
Today lions.com.au begins its series of player reviews, in numerical order by guernsey number.

#1. Luke McGuane

Luke McGuane called an end to his career after re-injuring his knee at training prior to the Lions’ Round 23 clash with the Western Bulldogs. McGuane had kicked 7 goals in four games and had indicated his desire to play on next season before the training mishap. The 28-year-old forward played some of the best football of his career at the Brisbane Lions this season after fighting back from a series of left-knee injuries acquired since joining the Club at the start of 2014. His best match came in Round 19 where he ended a frustrating 454-day spell on the sidelines by kicking three goals and collecting 12 possessions against the Suns. McGuane kicked two goals and had 14 possessions in the Hawks trouncing of the Lions in Tasmania.

#2. Ryan Harwood

Defender Ryan Harwood had to wait until Round Nine against the Saints for his first taste of Senior football in 2015. The 24-year-old had surgery in mid-February to address abdominal and groin pain and spent time playing for the Reserves in the NEAFL to regain match fitness. Indicative of the Lions’ bad run of luck with injury, Harwood was subbed out with concussion after receiving a heavy knock. It was the first of just three games for the Tasmanian this season, who struggled to find consistency after spending the bulk of 2015 on the sidelines with injury. When fully fit, Harwood is a damaging runner with creative and clean disposal, and, after signing a contract extension in August, will be keen to see more game time in 2016.

#3. Allen Christensen

Allen Christensen played every match in 2015 despite recovering from back surgery. The 24-year old premiership player from Geelong averaged 20 disposals and a goal a game, recording a season high 31 possessions in Round 10 against GWS. With his good vision, decision-making and foot skills, it is little wonder Christensen (6.2) topped the Lions in score assists in 2015. He was rewarded for his strong season when he was recognised as runner-up in this year’s Merrett-Murray Medal. Leading into his second pre-season at the Lions, Christensen can only get better.

#4. James Aish

19 year-old James Aish carried a great weight of expectation on his shoulders in 2015 after a breakout season at the Lions in 2014. Despite moments of brilliance (claiming 21 possessions, five tackles and a goal in Round Three against Richmond), Aish was only able to play 11 games in 2015 due to a season-ending finger injury in the Club’s Round 17 loss to North Melbourne. The South Australian’s versatility was his greatest asset throughout the season, however, as he took up a number of roles around the ground as the Club attempted to deal with the team’s growing injury list. Out of contract, Aish is yet to indicate to the Lions his future playing intentions.

#5. Mitch Robinson

Robinson was delisted by the Blues at the end of 2014 and since moving to the Gabba has been one of the team’s best performers. The 26-year-old led the way in 2015 with his fearless attack, and was rewarded for his effort when he tied for the Merrett-Murray Medal in September. Robinson began 2015 as a half-forward, but moved to the midfield with devastating results, often playing effectively in a tagging role. In his last six matches for the season Robinson averaged 28 disposals and 9.5 tackles a game, eventually taking out the Players’ Player Award and the Shaun Hart Most Competitive Player Award in a breakout season at the Club.